THE HOT CORNER

MATT YOUMANS - LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 38-38-2 (overall record)

Today's best bet: St. Louis Cardinals (-120) over CHICAGO CUBS

• The Cardinals need a strong start from Chris Carpenter (11-3, 3.05 ERA) to avoid a three-game sweep. Carpenter was sharp in winning his past two outings, allowing two runs in 16 innings. St. Louis is 6-1 in his past seven starts against the Cubs, including a 7-1 win at Wrigley Field on May 28. The Cardinals can be anemic offensively if Albert Pujols isn't hitting, but Ryan Ludwick is back in the lineup.